Bhopal: A tragic incident occurred in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district early Wednesday when a speeding car allegedly struck a group of Jain ascetics, killing one and critically injuring two others. The vehicle was intercepted near Jabalpur after a nearly 270-kilometer chase, police confirmed.
Details of the Incident
The three sadhvis, all in their 40s, were walking as part of a religious journey. They were accompanied by three local followers who alerted the authorities and helped identify the fleeing vehicle. According to police, the car was returning from Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh to Nagpur when the accident took place.
Victims and Injuries
One of the ascetics, Shruti Mati Mata, a native of Sagar district, died on the spot due to severe injuries. She was traveling from Satna to Rewa for a religious sojourn. The injured were identified as Upsamiti Mata, a resident of Tamil Nadu, and Arika Mata from Jabalpur. Both were rushed to a hospital, where one of them was placed on ventilator support due to serious injuries.
Police Action and Community Outrage
SP Ghurkaran Singh stated, “The family in the car was returning from Balrampur in UP to Nagpur. However, instead of stopping after the accident, they fled.” The incident sparked anger among members of the Jain community, who gathered at the spot demanding strict action against the accused. Police have registered a case against the driver under Section 105 of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
The driver was arrested after a prolonged chase, and further investigations are underway. The Jain community has called for exemplary punishment to deter such reckless driving and hit-and-run cases.
